3 Reasons Your Clinic Is Falling Behind and How to Boost Your Presence

Losing traffic at a health clinic can be discouraging. Your clinic could be lagging behind because your patients aren't satisfied their level of medical care, but this isn't always the case. For instance, a patient could be satisfied with you as a doctor, while not being satisfied with your office practices or technology.

If you're having trouble bringing in new patients, then you may just need to do a little self-promotion. Here are three ways to boost your practice and gain new patients.

1. Your website is outdated (or nonexistent)

Most patients do some research before choosing a doctor. This gives them the best idea of what kind of care they can expect and what kind of doctor you are. Personalize your website to give them a detailed look at what they can expect if they choose you as their doctor. List your degrees, specialties and what illnesses you currently treat. Take photos of your staff and provide a brief, individualized summary for each employee so the patient will feel at ease with them when they come in for an appointment. Upload printable copies of any paperwork you require, so patients can fill them out before their appointment. And post regular updates so prospective patients will know they're getting the most current information.

2. Your office is a little lackluster

Patients don't want to spend time in an uninviting clinic, so make yours as welcoming as possible. Paint the walls with soothing, natural designs or fun themes for your younger patients. Set up a coffee and tea bar in the waiting room so patients can refresh themselves while they wait to see you. Allow your employees to add their own personal touches to their work spaces as well. For instance, encouraging your radiologist to display their radiological studies degree on the wall of the lab will reassure nervous patients that the person examining them is qualified to do so.

3. You're a stickler for fees

It may seem like a lucrative business practice to charge your patients a late fee or a fee for missing an appointment, but this is where a lot of doctors lose their patients for good. There are some cases where a patient has no choice but to cancel. Penalizing for missing an appointment will only create tension between you both, and you could end up losing their business.

There is no exact formula to running a successful clinic. The key is to find what works for you, your staff and your patients. Let prospective patients know that you and your team are dedicated to taking care of them, and give your current patients plenty of reasons to stay with your practice.